CHEYENNE, Wyo. — With September marking Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Governor Mark Gordon and the Wyoming Department of Health’s (WDH) Injury and Violence Prevention Program renewed a call to action to work together to lower the state’s suicide rate.
“September gives us a vital opportunity to continue our efforts to bring awareness, normalize help-seeking behavior and connect individuals to life-saving resources and support,” Governor Gordon said in a statement. “Thanks to the thoughtful, collaborative approach taken by state agencies, local partners and dedicated individuals, we are making strides destigmatizing the discussion and lowering suicide rates. There is still much work to be done, however, as we know families and communities continue to be impacted by suicide.”
The Governor’s office noted that Wyoming’s suicide rates for the last three years have decreased after a long-term increase. Following a peak in 2021 of 32.5 deaths per 100,000 residents, suicide rates since have declined to between 26.3 to 28.2 in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
“Training opportunities are available to front line professionals and citizens passionate about providing survivors assistance, partnering to bring awareness and, importantly, prevention,” Governor Gordon said. “I encourage everyone to find their role in this effort.”
Statewide prevention efforts include these ongoing programs and initiatives: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, WY We Care Initiative, Wyoming State Suicide Prevention Plan, PROSPER and Veterans Talking to Veterans.
If someone is struggling, immediate help is available. Call or text 988 at any time to be connected with a trained Wyoming caregiver. Veterans seeking help can dial 988, then press 1.
